When Can Babies Sit in High Chairs in Restaurant?

Babies typically start sitting in high chairs at restaurants when they can sit up on their own without much assistance, which is usually around 6 to 8 months of age. However, every baby develops at their own pace, so some may be ready for a high chair a bit earlier or later. It's important to ensure that the high chair is safe and secure for the baby before using it in a restaurant setting.

How Long Do Babies Use High Chairs in Restaurants?

Babies typically use high chairs in restaurants until they are around 2 to 3 years old. However, this can vary depending on the child's development and preferences. Some children may outgrow the need for a high chair earlier and prefer to sit in a regular chair, while others may continue using a high chair for a bit longer. It's important to consider the child's comfort and safety when deciding when to transition them out of a high chair in a restaurant setting.

Is a Restaurant Required to Have High Chairs For Babies?

No. Restaurants are not legally required to provide high chairs. The necessity for a restaurant to carry booster seats or high chairs is not mandated by any federal law, which also applies to other conveniences like baby changing stations. This holds especially true for establishments that primarily serve adults, such as pubs and bars. However, while not a legal requirement, providing high chairs can be viewed as a courtesy service to accommodate guests with young children, potentially improving the dining experience for families and encouraging repeat business.

It should be noted that if a restaurant does choose to provide high chairs, any new high chairs manufactured after June 19, 2019, must comply with updated safety standards as mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These standards are to ensure that the high chairs are safe for use by the littlest guests. Existing high chairs in restaurants are not required to be replaced unless they want to meet these new standards for safety purposes.

Therefore, while you may find high chairs in many restaurants as part of their customer service, they are not a legal requirement for restaurant owners to provide.